Its been a busy 2009 for most of the players and teams fighting for the title of Asian Champions 2009. In addition to league and cup games, many players have also had Asian Cup and World Cup commitments.

Lets track the long road to the final for both teams.

The tournament started with 32 teams representing all nations within the Asian Confederation. After 6 rounds of group games, 16 teams progressed to the round of 16. This included Al Hilal (KSA), Umm Salal (QAT), Perspolis (KSA), Bunyodkor Tashkent (UZB), Al Ittihad (Jeddah) (KSA), Al Shabab (IRN), Al Ittifaq (KSA), Pakhtakor Tashkent (UZB), Nagoya Grampus (JPN), Suwon Samsung Bluewings (KOR), Gamba Osaka (JPN), Kawasaki Frontale (JPN), Kashima Antlers (JPN), FC Seoul (KOR), Pohang Steelers (KOR) and Newcastle United Jets (AUS).

The round of 16 was a single game playoff, with only the winners progressing into the last 8 (Qtr Finals). There was some great match-ups inlcuding Nagoya and Kawasaki, an all Japanese duel. Al Ittihad narrowly beat Al Shabab 2- 1 to progress. Whilst Pohang thumped Newcastle United 6 – 0.

The Qtr finalists were determined as FC Seoul (KOR), Umm Salal (QAT), Nagoya Grampus (JPN), Kawasaki Frontale (JPN), Al Ittihad (KSA), Pakhtakor (UZB), Pohang Steelers (KOR) and Bunyodkor (UZB). These teams over 2 rounds would determine the final 4.

Two big Japanese teams were once again matched up in Nagoya versus Kawasaki. Al Ittihad was matched with Pakhtakor and easily overcame them 5 – 1 over 2 rounds. Pohang didn’t have such as easy time with Bunyodkor. They comfortably won the first legs 4 – 1 but lost the second 3 – 1. The 1 goal was enough to see them progress to the semi-finals.

So the 4 semi finalists were now Nagoya Grampus (JPN), Al Ittihad (KSA), Umm Salal (QAT) and Pohang Steelers (KOR). Al Ittihad sealed their place in the final in the first leg by overcoming Nagoya by 6 – 2. Nagoya was eager to repair some pride, but the pressure to score was too much for them and they succumbed to a second loss, this time 2 – 1 at home.

Pohang had a much tougher hittout with Umm Salal.The first leg ended 2 – 0 in their favour and was then followed with a 2 – 1 away win.

So now we enter the final phase for the 2009 AFC Champions League. The two finalists are Al Ittihad from Saudia Arabia and Pohang Steelers from Korea. The final will be played on Saturday 7 November at 9pm AEST in Japan.

Good luck to both teams and may the best team win. At this stage the odds are with Al Ittihad.